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St Catherine's Oratory

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A peculiar 13th century monument, somewhat resemblising a modern rocket, standing atop a high hill above Blackgang, on the south west coast of the Isle of Wight.

St Catherine's Oratory was built in 1328, as a combination of an oratory and a lighthouse. The lighthouse originally formed the west tower of the oratory, but now it is the only part remaining. Remains of the oratory can be seen as earthworks up to 1 metre high. The lighthouse is octagonal on the exterior, but square within.

The story goes that St Catherine's Oratory was built as penance by Walter de Godeton, a local man who was convicted of stealing casks of wine belonging to the church from a ship wrecked off Chale Bay in 1314. The church threatened de Godeton with excommunication if he did not build a combined oratory and lighthouse above the site of his crime. It is possible that the oratory replaced an earlier chapel on this site. The oratory was endowed with funds for a priest to tend the lighthouse and say prayers for the souls of people lost at sea. Apparently this arrangement continued until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The oratory was still in existence in 1566, but by the end of the 18th century only the lighhouse remained.

Because of its shape, this octagonal tower is known locally as The Pepperpot. The Oratory is part of the Tennyson Heritage Coast, which connects several monuments along a stretch of the downs along the south coast.
A3055, Chale, Isle of Wight, England

About St Catherine's Oratory
Attraction Type: Historic Property
Location: There is parking along the A3055 at Blackgang, at the base of St Catherine's Hill. A well marked trail leads to the top of the hill, and the Oratory is clearly visible from the bottom.
Website: St Catherine's Oratory
English Heritage
Location map
OS SZ494773
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Ventnor Botanic Garden - 3.2 miles (Garden) Appuldurcombe House - 3.5 miles (Historic House) Arreton Manor - 6.4 miles (Historic Property) Newport Roman Villa - 6.4 miles (Roman) The Shipwreck Centre & Maritime Museum - 6.4 miles (Museum) Carisbrooke Castle and Museum - 6.5 miles (Castle) Mottistone Manor Garden - 6.8 miles (Garden) Brading Roman Villa - 8.7 miles (Roman)

Nearest Towns and Villages Christchurch - 22.8 miles away Earnley - 24.2 miles away Sidlesham - 26.3 miles away Bournemouth - 26.8 miles away Selsey - 27.6 miles away Walderton - 27.7 miles away Fishbourne - 28.1 miles away Bosham - 28.1 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to St Catherine's Oratory

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Chelsea Cottage - 4.6 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Ventnor, Isle of Wight Sleeps: 7 Stay from: £360

The Dairy - 5.4 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Brighstone, Isle of Wight Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £560

The Cabin - 5.4 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Brighstone, Isle of Wight Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £488

More Self Catering near St Catherine's Oratory

Nearest Hotels

The Wellington Hotel - 4.1 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Ventnor, Isle of Wight Stay from: £78.00

The Royal Hotel - 4.2 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Wroxall, Isle of Wight Stay from: £136.00

The Hambrough - 4.3 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Ventnor, Isle of Wight Stay from: £100.00

More Hotels near St Catherine's Oratory

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Windsor Carlton Hotel - 4.4 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Ventnor, Isle of Wight From: £39.00

Cornerways Hotel - 4.7 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Ventnor, Isle of Wight From: £116.00

Ocean View House - 5.4 miles from St Catherine's Oratory Ventnor, Hampshire From: £50.00

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Shanklin
Tourist Information Centre
67 High Street
Shanklin
Isle of Wight
England
PO37 6JJ
Tel: 01983 813818
Fax: 01983 863047
Email: info@islandbreaks.co.uk
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